At this year’s Auto Expo, Mercedes-Benz India showcased a range of models, including the V-Class Marco Polo, AMG GT 63 S 4-Door and the A-Class Limousine. During the biennial motoring event, the German automaker did reveal the prices for the former two. For the A-Class Limousine, it started accepting bookings and confirmed that the car would launch sometime in June 2020. With India under complete lockdown, the company might have postponed the launch plans.

If that puts you off, here’s some information that will keep your spirits high. In addition to the AMG-spec A 35, the compact sedan will also be available in two Progressive line variants – one petrol and diesel each. Mercedes-Benz has yet to confirm which powertrains will power the latter two. And that opens the gates to ‘Speculation Street’. Before entering wonderland, here’s what you need to know about the A 35.

Propulsion for the Mercedes-AMG A 35 will come from the combination of a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol engine producing 302bhp/400Nm, and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. With power going to all four wheels, the sedan can hit 100kmph from a standstill in 4.8 seconds and top out at 250kmph. Without a doubt, this version of the A-Class Limousine will cost the most.

What about the other two? In all likelihood, the petrol-powered variant will wear the A 200 tag and the diesel A 180d. If that happens, the former will come with a 1.33-litre turbocharged mill with 161bhp/250Nm on tap, whereas the latter will house a 1.5-litre turbocharged motor producing 114bhp/260Nm. Both engines will come coupled to a 7-speed automatic transmission as standard. As for the performance numbers, the petrol and diesel variants will be capable of hitting 100kmph from nothing in 8 and 10.5 seconds, respectively. Their top speed figures, in the same order, will be 225kmph and 203kmph.

The A-Class Limousine is the replacement for the sexy CLA in India. Once it goes on sale, it will compete directly with the Audi A3 Sedan (new one on the way). Sure, the A-Class Limousine looks fantastic, but the new A3 Sedan is nothing short of stunning either. All-in-all, it will be an exciting battle.